Selection of functional fabrics for sportswear
The global sportswear market was estimated at $395 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $580 billion in 2029, at a Gross Annual Growth Rate (GAGR) of 6.6%. The demand for sportswear is on a slow-growing trend as health and fitness awareness grows in popularity and popularity across the globe. The dominant sportswear brands in the industry including Nike, Adidas and Lulu-lemon have enabled these brands to dominate the majority of the market through technological innovations, product marketing and attaining sustainability. Sportswear is based on the integration of sports functionality and comfort, which is reflected in the selection and use of fabrics for garments. Moisture wicking knitted fabrics have become the mainstream choice for sportswear.
Characteristics of moisture wicking knitted fabrics
Moisture-absorbent knitted fabrics make use of fibre cross-section isomorphism (Y-shaped, W-shaped, etc.) to form grooves on the surface of the fibre, with the help of the grooves of the core suction and moisture-conducting structure, rapidly absorbing moisture and sweat on the surface of the skin and instantly discharging it out of the body, and then by the fibers on the surface of the cloth, the sweat will diffuse and rapidly evaporate, so as to achieve moisture-absorbent and perspiration and to regulate the temperature of the body for the purpose of keeping the skin dry and cool.The following characteristics are specified:
- Moisture wicking: Moisture wicking knitted fabrics make use of the fine grooves on the surface of the fibers, through the role of core absorption, diffusion and transmission, the moisture and sweat on the surface of the skin is quickly discharged from the body, so that the skin stays dry and cool.
- Abrasion resistance: moisture wicking knitted fabrics have good abrasion resistance and can withstand many washes without shrinking, deformation or mould.
- Breathability: through the process of weaving process design, such as jacquard process and suitable jacquard organisation design, can make the fabric to form different sizes of mesh, to ensure smooth air circulation, with excellent moisture conduction and breathability performance.
- Comfortability: The fabric is soft, comfortable and does not cause skin discomfort. It regulates body temperature effectively, keeping you cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold.
- Fast drying: compared to cotton, moisture wicking fibres dry 5 times faster, suitable for sportswear, outdoor casual wear and other scenarios that require fast drying.
- Easy to wash and non-iron: sweat on this fabric is easily washed off and it stays flat after washing without a complicated ironing process, making it easy to care for on a daily basis.
In addition to the above characteristics moisture wicking knitted fabric also has antibacterial properties, anti-odour and other functions, which makes the fabric is mainly used in sportswear, outdoor clothing, summer short-sleeved and other clothing production. These garments need effective treatment of sweat in summer or sports to maintain the normal metabolism and health of the human body.
Specific applications of moisture wicking knitted fabrics
- COOLMAX fabric: This is one of the most well-known moisture wicking fabrics, developed by DuPont, with good moisture absorption and breathability, widely used in quick-drying clothes and quick-drying T-shirts.
- Polartec Power Dry: This is an advanced skin-friendly moisture wicking fabric that works efficiently through a two-component knit structure where each fibre rapidly absorbs and evaporates perspiration to keep the skin dry.
- Schoeller 3XDRY technology: This technology is fast-drying, moisture wicking and breathable, and is widely used in high-end sports equipment.
The development trend of moisture wicking knitted fabrics
First of all, technological innovation is an important driving force to promote the development of moisture-wicking knitted fabrics. The application of new fibre materials, high-efficiency production processes and digital design technologies will further enhance the performance and comfort of moisture wicking knitted fabrics. For example, the application of shaped fibers improves the moisture conductivity and quick-drying property of fabrics by changing the physical structure of fibers.
Secondly, the growth of market demand for moisture wicking knitted fabrics provides a broad space for development. With the popularity of the concept of healthy life and the rise of the trend of sports and leisure, the demand for functional knitted fabrics continues to grow. Moisture wicking knitted fabrics are widely used in sportswear, outdoor clothing and daily wear due to their comfort and functionality, which meets consumers’ demand for high-quality life.
In addition, the application of environmentally friendly materials is also an important development trend of moisture wicking knitted fabrics. With the enhancement of environmental awareness, the use of environmentally friendly materials, optimise the production process to reduce energy consumption and waste emissions has become an important direction of the industry. The application of recycled fibre materials, organic cotton and other environmentally friendly materials, not only in line with the requirements of sustainable development, but also to enhance the competitiveness of the product market.
Finally, intelligent production is also one of the trends of moisture wicking knitted fabrics. With the progress of science and technology, the application of intelligent production technology such as sensors, smart chips, etc., can achieve intelligent perception, data collection and interactive feedback of knitted garments, and improve the user experience and garment function.
Conclusion
Moisture wicking knitted fabrics have become an important fabric choice for sportswear due to their unique functionality and superior comfort. In the future, with the continuous progress of fabric technology, moisture wicking knitted fabrics will play a more important role in the field of sportswear, bringing consumers a better sports experience.
